Easter Dessert Bars: The Easiest, Most Festive Ever!

Easter dessert bars are practically sunshine and happiness baked into a single pan. These aren’t just any dessert; they are a celebration on a plate, perfect for gathering around the table with family and friends during the Easter holiday. Growing up, my grandmother always had some sort of colorful, delicious treat ready for Easter, and these Easter dessert bars are my way of honoring that tradition. Imagine layers of buttery crust, creamy filling and pastel colored candies. It’s a vibrant, flavorful experience that everyone will love and you’re going to want to make again and again. Let’s get baking!

Why You Will Love This Easter dessert bars Recipe

This recipe is a winner because it’s easy, customizable, and utterly delicious. These Easter themed dessert bars are a great way to use up leftover Easter candy (if there is any!). The buttery shortbread crust, sweet and tangy cream cheese filling, topped with your favorite colorful Easter candies makes for a truly unforgettable treat that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The best part is, you don’t have to be a master baker to pull these off. Even better, this recipes makes for a fun creative activity for the whole family.

Ingredients Needed for This Easter dessert bars Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Easter bars.

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup pastel colored candies (such as M&Ms, jelly beans, or Cadbury Mini Eggs)
• Optional: Sprinkles or shredded coconut

How to Make This Easter dessert bars Recipe

Let’s walk through the process of creating these irresistible Easter dessert bars.

1. 1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

1. 2. Make the Crust: In a food processor, combine the flour, cold butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.

1. 3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

1. 4. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, and beat until well combined. Be careful not to overmix.

1. 5. Pour and Sprinkle: Pour the cream cheese filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle your favorite Easter candies over the filling, gently pressing them in. This is a great time to get creative!

1. 6. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.

1. 7. Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.

Follow us on Pinterest for more holiday baking inspiration! If you’d like to try another flavor sensation, why not check out this delicious Easter Dessert Soup? Or if fruit is your thing, give this Easter Dessert Fruit Crisp 2 a try!

How to Serve This Easter dessert bars Recipe

These Easter dessert bars are delicious on their own, but a few extra touches can elevate them even further.

• Serve chilled or at room temperature: Both are delicious!
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream: For an extra indulgent experience.
• Dust with powdered sugar: For an elegant presentation.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea: The perfect complement to the sweetness of the bars.

How to Store This Easter dessert bars Recipe

Proper storage will keep your Easter dessert bars fresh and delicious for longer.

• Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
• Reheating: If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. There is no need to reheat.

Tips to Make This Easter dessert bars Recipe

Here are a few tips to help you achieve perfect Easter dessert bars every time.

• Use cold butter for the crust: This ensures a flaky and tender crust.
• Don’t overmix the cream cheese filling: Overmixing can cause the filling to crack while baking.
• Press the candies gently into the filling: To prevent them from sinking during baking.
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing: This will prevent them from crumbling.

Helpful Notes for This Easter dessert bars Recipe

A few extra details can make all the difference.

• Cream Cheese: Be sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your filling.
• Candy Choices: Feel free to use any type of candy you like! Chocolate eggs, jelly beans, or even chopped up chocolate bars work well.
• Pan Size: Using a different sized pan will affect the baking time. Keep an eye on the bars and adjust as needed.

Variation of This Easter dessert bars Recipe

Get creative with these variations!

• Chocolate Crust: Add cocoa powder to the crust for a chocolatey twist.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a tangy flavor.
• Nutty Bars: Add chopped nuts to the topping for added texture.
• Gluten Free: Substitute gluten free flour cup for cup for all purpose flour.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these Easter dessert bars as much as I do. They’re a delightful treat that brings joy and sweetness to any Easter celebration. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and make them your own. Nothing beats a homemade dessert that spreads happiness. Happy baking, and feel free to leave a comment or question below – I’d love to hear how they turn out for you!

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